We would like to think life would be better if everything was entirely fair and free of pain. We often find ourselves writing in our minds:

We all know the world is not perfect and reality is brutal at times, yet at times we easily adopt a pessimistic attitude asking: “How am I supposed to be happy with such a long list of problems and a broken world around me?”

Today’s readings offer ideas on happiness which are not as popular as the concepts we often hold. When we want pity, hearing that we should be happy because of life’s complexities is not the easiest message to adopt, not to mention the idea of blessings towards the weak and poor. The blunt truth is that sometimes we are not wise enough to understand how we are blessed and what we really need.

The beatitudes, guidelines, appear in today’s message to explain that human power, wisdom, and righteousness are not the types of happiness that will prevail beyond this world. Those who have faith, show mercy and peace towards others, and remember their humanity shall be the happiest. As long as we come to the Lord humbly, we shall be sustained. If we depend on God in everything including the issues of the present, he will provide us a greater happiness if we are willing to accept it.

An optimistic attitude towards the trials of everyday life resonates today. We are the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the people who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the peacemaker, the persecuted and insulted. Don’t discourage, but instead keep praying and today we will be blessed.